Advice for traveling with a cat via plane?

TSgt Melissa Post — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 21:01:22 -0400

So I am planning on a trip to Texas from North Dakota in the near future. I have been told I might be able to bring my cat with me. How do you go about purchasing a ticket and letting them know you are bringing your cat as a carry-on? Looking for all helpful advice/tips anything.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 26 at 2016 9:13 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 21:13:27 -0400

What part of Texas?

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Sep 26 at 2016 9:28 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 21:28:24 -0400

Check the airline your booking though, each will have thier own policy. To include some that will not allow the pet in carry on,. but most go as checked cargo

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 27 at 2016 12:10 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 00:10:33 -0400

I'll be following this discussion myself. You know, the whole 'if so and so is elected I'm leaving' thing. Leave no cat behind.

Response by COL Lee Flemming made Sep 27 at 2016 2:12 AM

COL Lee Flemming — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 02:12:28 -0400

Call the airline Melissa. They will provide you all the steps that you need to take. Sometimes you need pet documents and validation that they are current on shots!

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Sep 27 at 2016 5:33 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 05:33:50 -0400

Hope when you go, the cat has a nice trip, and you also.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Sep 27 at 2016 8:26 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 08:26:33 -0400

I've traveled with my dog, there wasn't too much trouble as long as they're kept comfortable inside their travel bag. Double check with the airline first as they each have different rules.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Sep 27 at 2016 7:10 PM

SFC Jim Ruether — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 19:10:16 -0400

A purse is much easier as a carry-on than an animal. So is a guitar, a laptop, a sandwich, a water bottle, a well you get the idea.

Response by 1LT Voyle Smith made Aug 14 at 2021 8:51 AM

1LT Voyle Smith — Sat, 14 Aug 2021 08:51:31 -0400

The missus brought her cat when she moved from Texas to Germany in 1975. She checked it’s carrier as regular baggage so it traveled in the luggage section of Pan Am’s B747. She gave it a tranquilizer and air sickness med and it came through just fine. It wan’t happy but no harm was done. Ask your airline rep for current advice.

Response by MAJ Ron Peery made Aug 14 at 2021 5:03 PM

MAJ Ron Peery — Sat, 14 Aug 2021 17:03:37 -0400

The only advice I can give you is, don't hold it in your lap unless it is declawed. One downdraft, and the plane is a bloodbath.

Response by A1C Sandie Weidner made Aug 14 at 2021 5:20 PM

A1C Sandie Weidner — Sat, 14 Aug 2021 17:20:21 -0400

Call the airline directly and pay the fee. Make sure the cage will fit under the seat in front of you. The cat will have to remain in the cage during the flight. Check ahead of time if special seating will be need in the plane due to those with allergies. Have never traveled with a cat, but know several who have done so with small dogs.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Aug 15 at 2021 7:32 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Sun, 15 Aug 2021 07:32:09 -0400

Contact customer service at the airline to find out the policy. Also talk to your vet. Some cats need a bit of sedation to make it through a flight.